Vibration analysis, proven as one of the most effective methods in identifying early failure on rotating equipment’s mechanical components. The standard method in identifying early failure using vibration analysis is by comparing the baseline vibration amplitudes with current amplitudes. There is standard such as ISO 10816 series that governs an acceptable limit of vibration value depending upon the size and type of rotating equipment. Nevertheless, for a running plant, having an acceptable vibration limit according to the standard is not always easy to maintain. There are certain cases where the vibration levels are beyond the acceptable limit, but yet due to operational requirements, nothing can be done to repair the level. On the other hand, through experience, it is learned that not all vibration level above standard need to be fixed. In this presentation, tips in overseeing vibration level above standard will be elaborated through several real machinery cases. The tips can be applied to machinery using rolling element bearing and useful as baseline for a vibration analyst to decide machine stop for repair.

Ronny H Rusli currently working as Predictive Maintenance Group Leader to lead Condition Monitoring Program at Saudi Aramco Riyadh facility, to ensure all rotating equipment availability by applying various condition monitoring techniques (vibration, oil analysis, etc). In the past, he worked as Field Service Engineer for SKF, managing Field Condition Monitoring Services at many plants, also he has been adjusted in Rotor Dynamic analysis and in-situ balancing for turbo machinery when working as Machinery Diagnostics Engineer (MDS) for Bently Nevada representative. He is level II Vibration Analyst certified and has more than 13 years in Vibration Analysis.